The thesis stage

After successful submission of a research proposal, the coursework stage is followed by the thesis stage, which is devoted to writing a thesis and acquiring specialist knowledge.

The research stage is devoted to the production of your thesis. The DOK programme deliberately refrains from offering any seminars during the research stage. However, students have to attend two colloquia in which they discuss their own and their fellow students’ theses in the presence of DOK faculty members.

Thesis format
The DOK programme attaches importance to the investigation of wider contexts. The preferred thesis format is therefore the monograph. Within a defined scope, however, cumulative theses are also an option. Please consult the fact sheet on cumulative theses in the DOK.

Looking beyond the HSG
At this stage, we also recommend that you attend congresses and colloquia at other universities and research institutions with regard to your own research.

Optionally, you can use attendance at a congress with a presentation, or attendance at a specific course/seminar of another graduate college, a summer school or another PhD programme as a substitute for a course or a colloquium.